Colossians 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Colossians 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Masters are instructed to treat their servants with justice and fairness, as they too have a Master in heaven (v. 1). Paul urges the Colossians to be steadfast in prayer, remaining watchful and thankful (vv. 2-3). He asks them to pray that God might open a door for him to share the mystery of Christ, which he speaks about while in bonds (v. 4). Paul advises them to act wisely toward outsiders and to use their time well (v. 5). Their speech should be full of grace and well-prepared (v. 6).

Key verse

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;”
Colossians 4:2 (WEB)

Outline

Colossians 4:1 Instructions for Masters
Colossians 4:2–4 Encouragement to Prayer
Colossians 4:5–6 Wise Conduct and Speech
Colossians 4:7–9 Personal Greetings and Updates
Colossians 4:10–14 Fellow Workers and Greetings
Colossians 4:15–17 Community and Mutual Accountability
Colossians 4:18 Closing Remarks

Discussion questions

In v4, what is Paul asking for regarding his ability to speak about Christ?
What does Paul mean by 'redeeming the time' in v5?
Why does Paul mention Mark in v10 and refer to previous instructions about him?
In v17, what does Paul's instruction to Archippus suggest about ministry responsibilities?
When have you needed to 'walk in wisdom' as mentioned in v5?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Colossians 4: 1 Thessalonians 5, Ephesians 6, Ephesians 4.

Before next time: read 1 Thessalonians 1.